Homeopathic Dentistryhttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com
An Alternative Approach to DentistySat, 09 Feb 2019 08:50:52 +0000en-UShourly1Replacing Amalgams With Porcelain Onlays – Illustrationhttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/717/replacing-amalgams-with-porcelain-onlays/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/717/replacing-amalgams-with-porcelain-onlays/#respondSat, 09 Feb 2019 08:35:21 +0000https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=717The post Replacing Amalgams With Porcelain Onlays – Illustration appeared first on Homeopathic Dentistry.
]]>HEALTHY TOOTH: A healthy tooth with its three layers: enamel, dentin and pulp. Enamel is the hardest substance in the body. Dentin is made up of live tissue, similar to bone, however it does not have a blood supply. It receives its nutrition through millions of tiny tubules extending from the nerve (pulp) chamber all the way to the enamel junction. The pulp is made up of tiny arteries and veins, nerves and a matrix which includes stem cells for regeneration. The extension of the pulp into the root is called the “root canal”.DECAY: as a cavity forms through the pit, it spreads radially once it enters dentine. This is technically an “infection”, since it represents bacteria invading dentin (live tissue).AMALGAM FILLING: this is basically a primitive “prosthetic” method of cutting (or drilling) out infected dentine and filling the space with a substance which hardens and “restores” the missing part of the tooth. Amalgam is an unstable metallic alloy which is not bonded to tooth structure. Instead, it is packed into the cavity using undercuts so it stays put.DETERIORATION AND RECURRENT DECAY Over the years, as amalgam corrodes, its surface is rusted and its marginal integrity is damaged, allowing moisture and bacteria to leak into the space between it and the tooth. The constant expansion and contraction from temperature fluctuations also causes cracks inside the tooth, weakening its structural integrity. What is known as “recurrent” decay sets in, which spreads towards the pulp, and along the enamel and dentin interface, weakening the tooth even more.SAFE AMALGAM REMOVAL is carried out using strict precautions to avoid mercury vapor release and ingestion. (see video Safe Amalgam removal by Dr Sarkissian) One such precautionary protocol is called the “chunk removal” method, which involves drilling trenches along key points in the amalgam, and removing the “chunks” mechanically. This is to avoid drilling out the whole mass of the amalgam, which releases high quantities of mercury vapor and amalgam dust.DECAY REMOVAL: Most of the decay is removed using a slow electric drill.DEEP DECAY REMOVAL is carried out with the laser “waterlase” to avoid traumatizing the pulp (nerve) area. This reduces the risk for root canals. To see a video of the laser in action, watch the video How does the Dental Laser work. CORE BUILDUP is intended to insulate the dentin and fill in the undercuts. Restoring this tooth follows the biomimetic principle of replacing parts of the tooth not only using the most conservative approach, but also using materials that are bonded throughout, and which are close to the properties of the tooth itself. A bonded biocompatible bioceramic is applied over the area of dentin closest to the pulp, which is then sandwiched in a layer of composite, which also fills in the undercuts.ONLAY DESIGN: The tooth is then shaped for an onlay with fine diamond burs, and is digitally scanned with our CEREC camera, creating a virtual model. An onlay is digitally designed in the computer program, and is sent to a CAD-CAM device, which mills the onlay on the same day.ONLAY PLACEMENT: The onlay is tried in, glazed, and bonded in place. The whole procedure between scan and cementation takes 40 minutes. The rationale of the onlay is as follows: It basically covers the whole chewing surface and holds together the pieces of the tooth segments, weakened from the amalgam filling. It also preserves the bulk of the walls which are healthy and valuable as part of the natural tooth structure.

]]>https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/717/replacing-amalgams-with-porcelain-onlays/feed/0Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Sedationhttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/667/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas-sedation/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/667/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas-sedation/#respondSun, 10 Jun 2018 03:40:44 +0000https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=667Nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas”, was accidentally discovered in the late 1700’s by chemist Joseph Priestley. For a while it was used for entertainment at parties. In 1844, a Connecticut dentist named Horace Wells used it for the first … Continue reading →

]]>Nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas”, was accidentally discovered in the late 1700’s by chemist Joseph Priestley. For a while it was used for entertainment at parties. In 1844, a Connecticut dentist named Horace Wells used it for the first time for dental procedures. After having witnessed the effects of the gas at a party, he became the first person to use nitrous oxide as a dental anesthetic, as he had his assistants extract his own tooth while under the influence of the gas.

The laughing gas experience is a wonderful option for anxious children and adults, particularly when the treatment involved is very invasive, or the child is too young.

Nitrous oxide is a gas which when inhaled, makes the person generally happier and more tolerant to discomfort. It is not a strong painkiller, however. The patient will still perceive some pain and discomfort in more invasive procedures, but it will be on a much lighter level, and it will be tolerated better.

The gas, when administered according to guidelines, is very safe. While being inhaled, it will cause its sedative and calming effect, but when it is stopped, within a few minutes the patient will return to normal, as the gas is breathed out of the lungs. It is customary to have the patient breathe pure oxygen for a few more minutes after the procedure in order to ensure that the gas is fully displaced from the system.

Both adults and children can enjoy the benefits of nitrous oxide.

In children with a heavy gag reflex, it has made it possible to take necessary impressions which would have been otherwise impossible.

]]>https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/667/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas-sedation/feed/0Edelweiss Direct Veneershttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/651/edelweiss-direct-veneers/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/651/edelweiss-direct-veneers/#commentsWed, 20 Sep 2017 03:17:50 +0000http://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=651Our teeth represent the portal to the outside world. They define not only our image but also our health status. Unfortunately, many of us are not endowed with the shape or color of teeth we desire, despite having good teeth … Continue reading →

]]>Our teeth represent the portal to the outside world. They define not only our image but also our health status. Unfortunately, many of us are not endowed with the shape or color of teeth we desire, despite having good teeth in general. Veneers are an option but they are expensive. For those who do not have too much crowding and cannot afford the expensive lab-fabricated veneers, the EDELWEISS system is a wonderful cost-effective alternative. It is a hybrid between a composite and a porcelain, sintered with lasers and extremely durable. I tried myself to break a sample handed over to me by bending it between my fingers but I couldn’t.

The laser sintering process creates a beautiful life-like effect which rivals the best lab-made porcelain veneer.
The best part of it is that it is done in a SINGLE DAY, and it does not require grinding teeth, making it a very conservative and minimally invasive system.

This is a quote from Edelweiss’ website. “DIRECT VENEERs from edelweiss is state of the art for modern and minimally invasive esthetic dentistry. For the first time in the history of dental, it is now possible to work with prefabricated veneers made from nano-hybrid composite using modern laser technology. Never before has it been feasible to directly create the natural shape and youthful luminance of a tooth, so easily and perfectly in only one appointment. Its versatile area of application together with its time and cost saving procedure make edelweiss DIRECT VENEERs a sound investment in the future with the best interest of the patient in mind. Convince yourself.”

]]>https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/651/edelweiss-direct-veneers/feed/1Tooth Gangrene, Root Canals, and Dental Granulomashttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/612/tooth-gangrene-root-canals-and-dental-granulomas/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/612/tooth-gangrene-root-canals-and-dental-granulomas/#respondFri, 01 Sep 2017 20:54:38 +0000http://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=612(Def. gan·grene: localized death and decomposition of body tissue, resulting from either obstructed circulation or bacterial infection) A tooth is a wonder of nature. Its birth is so unique and complex that no one can really understand it in its entirety. … Continue reading →

]]>(Def. gan·grene: localized death and decomposition of body tissue, resulting from either obstructed circulation or bacterial infection)

A tooth is a wonder of nature. Its birth is so unique and complex that no one can really understand it in its entirety. It is the only organ in the body made up of three embryonic layers. The endoderm, which develops into the brain, the mesoderm, which develops into blood, bone, and muscles, and ectoderm, which develops into the skin, nails, and hair.

Every tooth has a canal going through its center containing live tissue that brings nerve fibers, cells and nutrients through tiny blood capillaries into its core. This tissue is collectively called the pulp. In teeth that just erupt, the canal space which accommodates the pulp is huge and has a rich blood supply. (Click on images to enlarge)

The root tip at this stage is still not formed and continues to calcify over the next few years.

In a young adult, the canal space has shrunk but is still capable of providing nutrition to the whole tooth.

The canal gets narrower and narrower due to aging, continuous use, cavities, dental treatment, bruxism, and trauma. This occurs as cells lining the canal walls deposit dentin substance along the inside walls, thus constricting the space available for the pulp. Due to its confined space, inflammation or infection within the pulp does not heal as would, say, a similar bruise or infection in your skin or muscle tissue.

The damaged cells and their toxins simply cannot be evacuated fast enough, and the limited blood supply through the tiny opening under the root tip would not be sufficient to heal damage. The tooth subsequently goes through a phase of pain (not necessarily) and the pulp degenerates.

This is essentially a micro-gangrene within the tooth. The dead tissue decomposes and becomes infected by bacteria which grow unchecked, enter the millions of tiny tubules along the canal walls, until they and their toxins spill out into the bone surrounding the root. This is called a granuloma and is now visible in an Xray as a dark shadow surrounding the root.

This process may occur with or without pain. If it has not prompted a person to seek dental treatment, it may only be a chance discovery in an Xray.

In the absence of pain, the patient will be surprised when he/she is told that he/she will need a root canal. A granuloma is a focus of infection for the body. Toxins emanating from it will travel to the heart lining, the kidneys, and the joints, and contribute to disease. The immune system will be working overtime to counteract the damages it is causing.

Sometimes pain can be helpful by sounding the alarm. If the alarm is absent, the chronic infection will cause more damage and will grow unchecked, eating away at the bone and creating a huge void, or a “hole” which one day WILL turn into an abscess. At that point, it will be too late to save the tooth. (An extracted root canalled tooth was ground down to show its cross section through the canal, revealing the amount of dead and decomposing tissue around the root canal filler.)

The second reason to address these granulomas immediately is that the larger the bone void is, the harder it is to heal and rebuild new bone. Therefore if the tooth were extracted, there will be a large defect along with insufficient bone in case an implant were to be placed. (A-Abscess not healed; B-Untreated, failed root canal)

Granulomas also remain in teeth with an old root canal. These only need to be observed if they are very small, but generally, they are not desired for the same reasons. It may indicate failure of the root canal, remnants of toxic tissue inside canals, a crack in the root, or simply that the body cannot handle the dead tooth. In such cases, extraction may be a better option. Once the tooth is extracted, the bone is cleaned out, and a graft is placed to preserve bone for a future implant.

Our first choice for a restoration is a metal-free zirconia implant, which has excellent biocompatibility. Click on the image below to see the extraction option and subsequent restoration with a zirconia implant.

If a tooth is opted to be saved, a root canal procedure has to be performed. For a series of illustrations explaining the root canal procedure, see the article Root Canal Treatment – The Last Resort

Doing nothing is not an option for dead teeth. In any other field of medicine, a dead or gangrenous tissue or organ would immediately be removed. Many people nowadays are opposed to root canals, for various reasons, and avoid the procedure. However, keeping a dead tooth in the body and avoiding a root canal is also a misconception that may have grave consequences. If a tooth is dead or gangrenous, the ONLY other option left, if a root canal is not desired, is extraction.

]]>https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/612/tooth-gangrene-root-canals-and-dental-granulomas/feed/0How to Detect Tooth Decay ASAPhttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/595/how-to-detect-tooth-decay-asap/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/595/how-to-detect-tooth-decay-asap/#commentsFri, 03 Feb 2017 07:39:53 +0000http://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=595The premise for minimally invasive dentistry is, that the earlier we detect tooth decay (caries), the less invasive the treatment will be. Once the cavity is big enough that it presents itself with a gaping hole, cleaning out this much … Continue reading →

]]>The premise for minimally invasive dentistry is, that the earlier we detect tooth decay (caries), the less invasive the treatment will be. Once the cavity is big enough that it presents itself with a gaping hole, cleaning out this much decay may not only result in loss of tooth structure, but also increase the chances of getting a root canal or a crown.

The goal is to detect decay before you can even see it with the naked eye, or even in some X-rays. X-rays are necessary but we expose the patient to some radiation. In pretty much every modern practice, including ours, digital x-rays with lower radiation exposure are used. The CariVu minimizes the number of X-rays needed to get proper diagnoses of the inner structures of the teeth.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could just shine harmless light at the tooth and have it penetrate it similar to a light shining through an ice cube? In that ice cube you would notice anything that should not there – and we want to have something like that for a tooth.

With CariVu this now has become reality. If you ever played with a laser pointer, you probably used it on your hand and fingers and were surprised how deep it penetrates. In medicine this is used to detect abnormalities in organs by shining a strong light beam at it and looking from the other side for any unusual absorption. This diagnostic is called transillumination.

With the new DEXIS CariVu a tiny laser shines on the tooth that reveals decay or cracks in many instances not even visible on Xrays. Mind you, it does not eliminate the need for Xrays altogether, it complements them and reduces the need for multiple Xrays.

CariVu and Interoral Image

It is excellent on little kids who cannot tolerate the sensor in their mouths, or those who want to keep radiation exposure at a minimum.

In the following video Dr. Lou Graham gives some more information how this works and how it’s used…

In Glendale, California you can now experience this very innovate diagnostic method at Dr. Sarkissian’s dental clinik – get in touch with us…

]]>https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/595/how-to-detect-tooth-decay-asap/feed/1How to Treat a Cavity You Can Barely Seehttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/576/how-to-treat-a-cavity-you-can-barely-see/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/576/how-to-treat-a-cavity-you-can-barely-see/#respondMon, 29 Aug 2016 04:33:17 +0000http://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=576In this day and age of high-tech dentistry, the main theme is minimally invasive dentistry. A lot of times we diagnose small cavities and parents wonder why we should restore them if they are not large or not causing pain … Continue reading →

]]>In this day and age of high-tech dentistry, the main theme is minimally invasive dentistry.

A lot of times we diagnose small cavities and parents wonder why we should restore them if they are not large or not causing pain or sensitivity.

In the old days, cavities had to grow to a certain size in order to justify drilling a large hole and packing it with amalgam. That was based on 19th century dentistry. Today, we have superior bonding and laser technology. We do not have to wait for the cavity to grow and weaken the tooth structure before restoring it.

This picture shows the typical appearance of teeth with early fissure decay.

Fissure is the name for the deep grooves located in the chewing area of the molars. Caries-causing bacteria can penetrate these fissures and this has consequences: These bacteria called streptococcus mutans, attack the thin enamel and penetrate dentin,which is the underlying live layer of the tooth. At that point, the decay spreads faster and undermines the enamel even before it is visible to the naked eye.

Fissures that are barely seen on the surface of a tooth can extend very deep into the tooth as this cross section of a tooth shows.

In our office, we use The Waterlase to clean out the fissures, and many times if we come across cavities,we can complete the procedure without having to give a shot.

You might think that good brushing your teeth will avoid the problem but look at this microscopic cross section of a fissure and one bristle of a toothbrush and you realize that brushing will not help.

The following video demonstrates the handling of fissures with the Waterlase Dental Laser.

]]>https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/576/how-to-treat-a-cavity-you-can-barely-see/feed/0When a Very Young Child Needs a LOT of Dental Workhttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/565/when-a-very-young-child-needs-a-lot-of-work/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/565/when-a-very-young-child-needs-a-lot-of-work/#respondSat, 13 Aug 2016 01:43:24 +0000http://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=565During his whole career of 25 years, Dr. Sarkissian has been involved in sedation dentistry mostly for children, particularly those suffering from autism, or those between the ages of 2-6 who need so much work on their teeth that would … Continue reading →

]]>During his whole career of 25 years, Dr. Sarkissian has been involved in sedation dentistry mostly for children, particularly those suffering from autism, or those between the ages of 2-6 who need so much work on their teeth that would make it impossible to perform unless they were still for a longer period of time. Sedation in those cases also alleviates the trauma from repeated sessions and anesthetic shots.

He has always made sure to employ the services of a highly skilled and trained dentist child anesthesiologist. Today we use Dr. Salman Hussain DMD, who is a visiting anesthesiologist specializing in children, but is also available for adults if the need arises. His monitoring techniques are flawless and over the past 7 years of his services, we have never had any adverse reactions to the procedure.

Sedation dentistry is also the perfect solution for those avoiding the dentist out of fear. Sedation medications have an amnesic effect, making a process that takes hours feel like minutes. Recovery is quick, and we augment healing and recovery with special homeopathic detox remedies!

If you now feel a bit envy towards a child that is simply sleeping through its dental procedures, you might ask yourself if sedation dentistry could be right for you as an adult?

By answering the following 4 True/False questions related to your life and attitudes towards the dentist, we can help you determine if you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Please note that this assessment tool is not a replacement for a consultation.

The idea of multiple visits to the dentist overwhelms me.

I am scared, even terrified, to pick up the phone to schedule a dentist appointment.

I have trouble with gagging or getting numb at the dentist.

Even though I feel pain when I eat, I am delaying dental treatment.

If you answered ‘True’ to at least one of the above questions, please don’t procrastinate any longer and call us right away so we can schedule an appointment and talk with you about the possibility of sedation dentistry.

The main reason for IV sedation for our young patients who suffer from ECC (Early Childhood caries) is the need to treat multiple and very deep cavities. As a principle, Dr. Sarkissian restores all teeth with composite bonding, never stainless steel crowns or mercury amalgams. Cosmetically, once we are done, the child will brandish white and life-like teeth as if nothing were done on them. And even if this work takes hours, for our young patient hardly any time has passed. He or she wakes up from a slumber and all is over. To learn more about ECC, please read the article Early Childhood Caries.

Before we proceed with dental treatment under sedation you will certainly be thoroughly briefed on all of its aspects, but you can also get more information on Dr. Hussain’s website to learn about his services and requirements.

Lastly, here is a beautiful video showcase of a child anesthesia we performed recently – many thanks to the parents who agreed to feature their son’s case to allow other parents to make a well-educated decision…

]]>https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/565/when-a-very-young-child-needs-a-lot-of-work/feed/0What You Need to Know About Root Canalshttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/542/what-you-need-to-know-about-root-canals/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/542/what-you-need-to-know-about-root-canals/#respondMon, 01 Aug 2016 04:32:47 +0000http://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=542The word “Root canal” sounds like anathema to many people. It is usually associated with excruciating pain, a harrowing dental procedure, or to those holistic-minded who have delved into the Weston Price controversy, a formula for poor health and a … Continue reading →

]]>The word “Root canal” sounds like anathema to many people. It is usually associated with excruciating pain, a harrowing dental procedure, or to those holistic-minded who have delved into the Weston Price controversy, a formula for poor health and a high risk for diseases.

A brief introduction into root canals: It is a PROCEDURE in which a dead nerve is removed from within a sick or degenerated tooth and the resulting void in the “canals” are filled with a substance that merely fills up the space and should be stable and antiseptic enough to last and not to promote bacterial growth. See also the article Root Canals – Procedure Risks Disinfection Materials.

Many people say they want to AVOID a root canal. The best way to avoid one is to PREVENT it from happening by being proactive with proper home oral hygiene, routine dental cleanings and examination visits, and minimally invasive dentistry on small cavities before they grow over time. Once the nerve dies, unfortunately the only option you have is to extract the tooth if you are determined not to have a root canal.

True, some root canals arise after a large procedure involving crowns or large fillings. Many times a tooth may be asymptomatic and after a dentist works on it, it develops pain and infection. It is possible that the dentist is blamed for these arising problems, however, a large cavity or a tooth needing a crown is already at an advanced state of neglect or deterioration. It should or could have been avoided by proper timely care. Any large procedure may drive a tooth “over the edge” due to poor circulation, vibrations, and the trauma of being worked upon.

THE ROOT CANAL CONTROVERSY:

The root is made up of millions of tiny tubules that emanate out of the main canal and extend through the full thickness of the dentine layer. These carry nutrients and stimuli back and forth. As the tooth dies, these tiny tubules also die, but still retain their moisture and organic matter, which starts to deteriorate and become food for bacteria. When the main canal is treated and filled, there are still armies of bacteria living in these tiny tubules.

Many sources claim that a dead tooth in the body will cause certain ailments and detrimental effects on health. Weston Price, George Meinig and Hal Huggins were proponents of this theory and today most holistic dentists do not recommend root canals. Many even suggest pulling root canalled teeth to improve health. (1)

Dr. Sarkissian does not assert that extracting all root canalled teeth in a person suffering from a disease will reverse the disease. He is convinced, however, that just by the concept, a root canalled tooth is not desired for many reasons, and even if it were not directly responsible for a particular diseases, he would not be surprised if it truly contributed to poor health or some compromise in the health status of the organism.

Some correlations in statistical data are very disturbing, such as the one showing a proportionally high number of root canalled teeth in women suffering from breast cancer. (3)

WHAT ARE THE CHOICES?

1. KEEP THE TOOTH and perform a root canal therapy. The canals are accessed and the dead or infected nerve is evacuated with special files. The narrow canals are widened with successively increasing file sizes in order to remove the contaminated and toxic layer of dentine lining the canal walls. It is said that most filing procedures will not remove all the dead tissue because the root canal system is made up of convoluted and unevenly branched canals with numerous branches and uneven recesses. (Picture 1-1). In order to eliminate these, we use the latest dental laser, the iplus by biolase (Picture 1-2), and a tip with side firing capacity to disinfect the walls of the canals after manual instrumentation. The laser energy is generated in pulses and uses water as the target, killing bacteria, pulverizing organic matter and opening up the tubules (Picture 1-3). Laser energy is then transmitted along the millions of dentine tubules just like fiberoptics, killing bacteria lodged deeper inside them (Picture 1-4). After disinfection the canals are filled with a biocompatible paste which lines the canal walls, and seals them (Picture 1-5). To see step-to-step illustrations of the procedure see The Last Resort – Root Canal Treatment.

(click on picture to enlarge – press the ESC key to close bigger picture)

2. EXTRACT THE TOOTH. The roots are extracted, a thin layer of the contaminated bone lining the sockets is removed to ensure the periodontal ligament is completely taken out and healthy bleeding is encouraged. Generally a ridge preservation graft is placed along with a membrane, which acts as a scaffolding to create, or at least retain the width and height of the bone, in order to facilitate placement of a metal-free Zirconia implant.

A tooth is shown here with a failing root canal, with a “blister” (fistula) on the gums, and an ugly crown. Saving this with a new root canal would have been doubtful, not to mention a waste of money. The tooth was extracted and restored with a metal-free implant.

Some subjective and isolated reports by patients also mention a mysterious worsening in health or well-being coinciding with a root canal being performed. Yet clinical studies confirming these reports are currently lacking.

FACTS AND ROOT CANAL TRIVIA:

A dead tooth cannot be ignored. The decomposing tissue inside it is essentially a gangrene which eventually spills out into the bone and causes either a massive painful infection, or a chronic degenerative painless lesion, which long term is even more destructive than the painful phase.

Many teeth die or are extracted as a result of a deep crack under a large filling (particularly mercury amalgam) that weaken the cusps or the structural integrity of the tooth. Heavy chewing or clenching forces, plus expansion of metal non-bonded fillings from hot and cold fluctuations basically crack the tooth and split it in two. Research shows that teeth with large amalgams have a higher chance of receiving major work such as root canals or extractions, than teeth with onlays or crowns. (4)

Infrared photography of the head usually reveals a zone of “inflammation” in the tissues and bone exactly where root canalled teeth are present .

A major reason for extracting teeth are unhealed root canals which carry a “bag” or a “cyst” of inflammation known as a GRANULOMA around the tip of their root(s).

These granulomas are considered a “focus of infection”, which is known to affect the general well-being of the person through meridian blockages. The body’s immune system is working overtime to deal with these chronic degenerative lesions. They usually harbor bacteria and viruses, including Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), which one study shows has been detected in more than 80% of periapical granulomas. (2)

A cross section of an extracted root canalled tooth shows that a lot of the contaminated tissue in the recesses of a root canal system is not addressed.

A study has shown that Aspergillus, a disease-causing fungus, is likely to be found in many root canals exhibiting inflammation around their roots and are next to the sinus. This may be one reason why root canalled teeth in the upper molar areas which border the sinus continue causing symptoms even when there is no other apparent reason. (5)

]]>https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/542/what-you-need-to-know-about-root-canals/feed/0What are TMJ Problems…https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/535/what-are-tmj-problems/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/535/what-are-tmj-problems/#commentsSun, 03 Jul 2016 22:32:49 +0000http://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=535… and where do they come from? The temporomandibular joint (TMJ, for short) is the jaw joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) in front of the ear. Certain facial muscles that control chewing are … Continue reading →

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ, for short) is the jaw joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull (temporal bone) in front of the ear. Certain facial muscles that control chewing are also attached to the lower jaw. […]

]]>https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/535/what-are-tmj-problems/feed/3Deep Bite And Orthopedic Bite Openinghttps://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/518/deep-bite-and-orthopedic-bite-opening/
https://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/518/deep-bite-and-orthopedic-bite-opening/#commentsThu, 12 May 2016 23:48:42 +0000http://www.homeopathic-dentistry.com/?p=518(Section 2 of the Jaw Orthopedics Series) In section 1, we discussed the incidence of a deep bite in growing children and its implications on the development and health of a child. A deep bite relates to the vertical length … Continue reading →

In section 1, we discussed the incidence of a deep bite in growing children and its implications on the development and health of a child. A deep bite relates to the vertical length of the back part of the mandible (lower jaw), which also contains the growth (proliferation) zone for the proper development of the jaw. Functional jaw orthopedics allows this growth zone to be influenced.

A deep bite or a retruded (backward) lower jaw are not self-limiting, and children do not grow out of it. The reason is that they are trapped in a vicious circle. The more the teeth wear down, the more they will grind, and the process will perpetuate. If functional influences have caused the current condition, then they have to be resolved with functional methods. There are two approaches:

With functional appliances: in children who have many jaw problems at the same time, such as a small jaw, crowding, a deep bite, etc.

Without appliances: In children aged 5-8 with a deep bite, and in the event that there is no significant arch size crowding, or no retruded lower jaw, a very simple method of bite opening can be implemented without the use of appliances. It is also considered a form of interceptive jaw orthopedics, mainly because it repositions the jaw, and therefore causes an acceleration in the growth of the proliferation zones of the jawbone.

It involves adding material to the lower baby (or primary) molars. This will increase their height and allow the jaw to close at a vertically open position. This is achieved directly, by creating a jig to determine the amount of vertical opening, and adding composite on the lower primary teeth.

Another material which can be used is a ceramic polymer overlay on the same primary molars. In the past, impressions were taken of the jaws. Today, we do this by digitally scanning the jaws with a wand, (for example, a CEREC procedure) and milling four overlays out of a more durable and biocompatible material. Parents who are concerned about “plastics” and “BPA-like” materials, this is the way to go. It is costlier, but a sound option. After the overlays are bonded, permanent teeth that erupt will grow to the newly established vertical dimension. By the time the teeth with the overlays are shed (ages 10-12), the functional effect will already be achieved with permanent desired changes to the jawbone.

Q: WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES IN ADULTHOOD IF THIS IS NOT ADDRESSED DURING CHILDHOOD?

A: Many teens and adults develop crowding, which by many orthodontists is resolved by extracting four healthy bicuspid teeth to make “room”. This spells even more trouble as they hit middle age, since these adults develop Jaw-joint problems, have a flat face with no lip support, and their risk for sleep apnea is increased manifold.

Q: DOES MY CHILD AVOID BRACES IN THE FUTURE IF THIS EARLY INTERVENTION IS CARRIED OUT?

A:. Not necessarily, because there are other factors at play for needing braces. However, if needed, the time needed will be reduced significantly, and the end outcome will be much nicer. At this early stage we are concerned with the foundation of the jawbone, in three dimensions: vertical, lateral (sideways) and sagittal (forward).